During World Alzheimer’s Month this September, Golnaz Atefi skated 1,026 km, setting the Guinness World Record for the farthest distance ever skated by a female. Golnaz said, of her campaign: “I’m honoured to have accomplished this as part of the Rolling for Dementia campaign, raising awareness about dementia. My mission was to engage with professionals and community members across Europe, finishing at the Alzheimer Europe conference, to highlight the critical need for inclusivity in dementia care and research.” As part of the campaign, she visited the Alzheimer Europe offices in Luxembourg where she discussed the importance of inclusivity in dementia care as part of her campaign. Together, with the Alzheimer Europe team, she participated in the annual Memory Walk organised by Association Luxembourg Alzheimer on World Alzheimer’s Day, an inspiring event that brought together organisations, researchers, and the public for a fun, friendly, yet informative environment. “I hope more events like this are arranged regularly and in more places, as inclusive dementia care requires stronger connections between research and the community”, she said.
As part of her research fellowship at University College London, Golnaz will be investigating attitudes toward dementia prevention across diverse groups through a survey of 1,000 people in the UK. Although the campaign was originally set to conclude in September, the overwhelming support, with more than 100 professionals and community members now involved to share their insights, has been incredibly encouraging. As a result, the “Rolling for Dementia” journey, both on and off skates, will continue and will run throughout Golnaz Atefi’s fellowship, continuing to collect and share insights about dementia. “I’m incredibly grateful to Alzheimer Europe for promoting inclusive dementia care, and I’m looking forward to both learning from and sharing the latest advancements in research during the conference”, she concluded.
Pictured: Members of the Alzheimer Europe team with Golnaz Atefi at the Memory Walk organised by Association Luxembourg Alzheimer on World Alzheimer’s Day